Japanese Beetle

Natural Habitat

Originally from Japan, this species is now prevalent in many parts of North America. They thrive in agricultural areas, urban landscapes, gardens, nurseries, and natural grasslands where host plants and suitable soil for larval development are present.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on the foliage, flowers, and fruits of over 300 species of plants, including roses, grapes, maple trees, and corn. Larvae (grubs) feed on the roots of turfgrass and other plants.

Behavior Patterns

Adult Japanese beetles emerge from the ground and feed on a wide variety of plants during the summer months. They are active during the day. Females lay eggs in the soil, which hatch into C-shaped grubs that feed on plant roots.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Japanese beetles are considered a serious pest in many regions due to their extensive feeding damage on a wide range of ornamental plants, crops, and turfgrass. Larval feeding can cause significant damage to lawns and golf courses. Benefits: In their native range, natural predators and parasites help keep their populations in check. In introduced regions, they disrupt ecosystems.

Identified on: 8/31/2025